The Life Team would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. … And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem… to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.” Luke 2:1–6 

God had a problem. Long ago He had sent a prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth, 120 kilometers away. How would He get them there?

Of course such things are not really problems for God! He could have arranged for a fiery chariot, but instead He did something that is an extraordinary witness to His divine rule and a lesson for us today.

3,700 kilometers away, Caesar Augustus ruled over the vast Roman Empire. His wealth was beyond measure. At his command, 100,000 soldiers would march. “Augustus” means “the illustrious one”, even “divinely appointed ruler”. Throughout the Empire, people offered prayers in his name.

No one could tell the great Caesar Augustus what to do! But he became only a tool in God’s hands as part of His eternal plan of salvation. Caesar never knew how God used him, but God wanted us to know it. Luke writes, “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus.” (Luke 2:1)

Who, really, is the ruler?

Because of this decree, Joseph, an unknown carpenter sets out with Mary, his heavily pregnant fiancée, on a journey that would fulfill the ancient prophecy. Today more people know about Caesar Augustus for his connection to the birth of Jesus than for anything else he did.

“Joy to the world,” we sing, “Let earth receive her King.” And He is the King. He is the sovereign King over all Kings and Lord over all Lords. History moves at His command toward its fulfillment in Him.

The message of the Christmas season is that our King has come. He is the one who rules over the earth. He has come. And He is coming again!

Happy Birthday, Jesus. Thank you that we are all invited to your party. May we live our lives with gratitude for your love and mercy. Amen.

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Celebrate Christmas today with these fun ideas! Read: 8 Instagram Ways to Keep Jesus in Focus



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